Conflict and Courage. Daniel 2 Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: and he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding. Daniel 2:20, 21. Behold the Jewish captive, calm and self-possessed, in the presence of the monarch of the world's most powerful empire. In his first words he disclaimed honor for himself and exalted God as the source of all wisdom. To the anxious inquiry of the king, “Art thou able to make known unto me the dream which I have seen, and the interpretation thereof?” he replied: “The secret which the king hath demanded cannot the wise men, the astrologers, the magicians, the soothsayers, show unto the king; but there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days.” ... In the annals of human history, the growth of nations, the rise and fall of empires, appear as if dependent on the will and prowess of man; the shaping of events seems, to a great degree, to be determined by his power, ambition, or caprice. But in the word of God the curtain is drawn aside, and we behold, above, behind, and through all the play and counterplay of human interest and power and passions, the agencies of the All-merciful One, silently, patiently working out the counsels of His own will.... In the history of nations the student of God's word may behold the literal fulfillment of divine prophecy. Babylon, shattered and broken at last, passed away because in prosperity its rulers had regarded themselves as independent of God, and had ascribed the glory of their kingdom to human achievement.... The kingdoms that followed were even more base and corrupt; and these sank lower and still lower in the scale of moral worth. The power exercised by every ruler on the earth is Heaven-imparted; and upon his use of the power thus bestowed, his success depends.... To recognize the outworking of these principles in the manifestation of His power who “removeth kings, and setteth up kings”—this is to understand the philosophy of history.1Prophets and Kings, 494-502.

Lifeline Today Tuesday September 1 Keep Focus! "Keep your eyes straight ahead; ignore all sideshow distractions." Proverbs 4:25 (MSG) Keep focus! Don’t be distracted! Faith without focus is frustration. Prayer without focus is paralysis. Fasting without focus is failure. At the root of every advancement is focus. It is focus that will direct your talent and your gifts. It is your level of focus that will determine your level of placement as no great destiny emerges without focus. Focus means to be totally committed or absorbed in a specific assignment. It is the ability to gaze unwaveringly into every issue at hand without distractions. Focus does not come naturally, yet it is essential for anyone who wants to fulfill his or her life assignment. Talent with focus directs you and this has the potential to take you far. Focus creates the platform for manifestation and manifestation makes you a centre of attraction which compels attention in your favour. Happy new month. This is your day. Wisdom Fountain: “Scattered energy does nothing. Focused energy creates results.” Prayer: Everlasting Father, thank You for the gift of work and the skills You have given me. I declare total quietness from any noise that may come around me or inside my head. I receive a calm spirit and a clear mind to handle every task in front of me. Help me Lord to let go of worries and stop my attention from wandering. Give me the self-control and strength to finish whatever I start in Jesus' name.

Good evening, brethren. 1. Evening devotion for today. ED.i. *DAILY WALK WITH CHRIST* (COCIN DEVOTIONAL) *DATE:* SUNDAY 30TH AUGUST, 2026 *SUB-THEME:* YOUTHS: VESSELS OF GOD’S GRACE. *TOPIC:* BE BRAVE AND COURAGEOUS *TEXT:* 1 SAMUEL 17:23-24, 34-37 23. As he was talking with them, Goliath, the Philistine champion from Gath, stepped out from his lines and shouted his usual defiance, and David heard it. 24. Whenever the Israelites saw the man, they all fled from him in great fear. 34. But David said to Saul, “Your servant has been keeping his father’s sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, 35. I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it. 36. Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. 37. The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.” Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you.” *TOPIC:* BE BRAVE AND COURAGEOUS *THE MESSAGE:* We often face one challenge or another in life. In this text, Israel was threatened by the giant Philistine Goliath in a battle. No one dared him until the young David showed up. Without fear, he stood before Goliath in confidence, trusting in the Lord who had delivered him from the lions and bears. He believed that the same God had given him victory over the Philistines. We are facing both spiritual and physical threats; ritualists, witches and wizards, and terrorists. We are killed daily with no one to speak in our defence. As young people, we must also be brave, courageous, and firm in our faith as we boldly pursue God's purpose for our lives. As we seek to defend ourselves, faith and prayer must be our watchword first. *REFLECTION:* God has not given us the spirit of fear. *PRAYER:* Lord, help me to be bold to face the challenges of life. Amen. *MEMORY VERSE FOR THE MONTH:* 2 TIMOTHY 2:21. "If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be instruments for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master, and prepared to do any good work." *TODAY'S BIBLE READING PLAN:* DANIEL 4-6. ED.ii. PEACE IN THE STORM "As they sailed, He fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. The disciples went and woke Him, saying: 'Master, Master, we're going to drown'! He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm." - Luke 8:23-24 I think this is a beautiful story. God wants to speak to you today. Many people, children of God also, try to get rid of their problems. This is a good thing. However, the point is that many children of God have the illusion that when their problems are solved, they will be happy and have peace in their hearts. Happy in all circumstances But dear readers, Christians, the living God our Father wants us to be happy even when the circumstances are not as we want them to be. If you allow for your peace and tranquility to depend on circumstances, you will never be happy because there is always a change. This will be the same until your last breath. The apostle Paul gives a list of difficult situations he has experienced in life. Despite all, Paul was more than a conqueror in Jesus, who gave Him the strength to move on. You can also be more than a conqueror in the middle of your storm. Dear readers, do not always try to use all your faith to solve problems. You must learn to use your faith to have peace and tranquility in the storms of life. While the disciples were very concerned and tried to solve their problem, Jesus was sleeping wonderfully. Do not let the storm which is raging outside rage in you. With Jesus you can have peace in all circumstances. https://www.theblessingdevotional.com 2. Evening Prayer for toady. EP.i. Evening Prayer So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper [in the thing] whereto I sent it. ⏤ Isaiah 55:11 It is possible to move men, through God, by prayer alone. ⏤ Hudson Taylor We come back this evening, our Father, to continue our prayer for the coming of Your kingdom. The day is past, and the work of Your servants is done. Thousands of ministers have preached Your word, tens of thousands of teachers have taught the children, and in millions of Christian homes, supplications and prayers have been offered. Let not all this work be in vain. May Your Spirit gather up all that has been done for You today and give it Your divine blessing, without which nothing can come of it. Revive Your work in this land and in the world through this Sunday's ministrations. May many of Your children carry new earnestness and zeal into their living and work tomorrow. May the seeds sown in the furrows today take root and grow. Let not the birds gather up and devour what has been sown. Let not the thorns spring up and choke it. Let not the heat of trials scorch the tender growths. May the good seed grow wherever it has been sown, and may abundant harvests wave on thousands of fields. Prosper Your work on the earth. May Your peace rest upon our home tonight. May the gentle Dove descend and spread His white wings over us, sheltering us while we sleep. May holy influences rest upon us from this Sunday, and may its teachings and impressions stay with us throughout the week. Keep each of us from the world's ungodly power. Hold us all near Your heart, in the warmth of Your love, in the strong security of Your grace. May the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God our Father, and the comfort of the Holy Spirit be with us forever. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/56/evening #taptapstudio #youdevotion.

Lifeline Today Sunday August 30 Stay Calm The LORD himself will fight for you. Just stay calm. Exodus 14:14 (NLT) The Almighty has not changed. Whatever we know of Him from the Scriptures, He is still today. God still fights for His own! He has several ways He takes over the battle from any of His beloved and decides His own strategy. One way He fights for you is to trouble your enemy. (Exodus 14:24-25). He will do it by overthrowing every stubborn pursuer of His purpose in your life. Or appear in a dream by night to frighten whoever has taken what rightfully belongs to you and command such to restore to you fully. (Genesis 20:2-7). God can take over the conflict against you by causing your enemy to hear a terrifying noise. (2 Kings 7:5-7). The Syrian army that encamped against Judah fled when God turned the approach of four lepers to sounds of chariots and noise of horses! He can give your enemies dreams that will terrify them. (Judges 7:13-14). He can cause them to destroy each other. (2 Chronicles 20:23-24). Stay calm. The Man of War 'has your back!' This is your day. Wisdom Fountain: "God did not bring you this far to abandon you in deep water. He's not a spectator; He's the navigator." Prayer: My Father, I give You thanks for being my strong tower, my shield, and an ever-present help in times of trouble. When I did not know which way to turn, Your wisdom directed me. When I felt weak, Your strength sustained me. Thank You for fighting battles on my behalf—both the ones I knew about and the ones you shielded me from behind the scenes. Help me to keep trusting You with my whole heart and to walk boldly in the confidence that You never leave me nor forsake me in Jesus' name.

THE FATHER ALREADY KNOWS Therefore Take No Thought, Saying, What Shall We Eat? Or, What Shall We Drink? Or, Wherewithal Shall We Be Clothed? (For After All These Things Do The Gentiles Seek:) For Your Heavenly Father Knoweth That Ye Have Need Of All These Things (Matthew 6:31-32 KJV). Part of the reason the Lord Jesus told us not to worry is because our heavenly Father knows all things. He knows what’s in your heart. He knows all your needs and desires and has already gone ahead to grant them. He’s fully aware, completely informed and already ahead of every situation you’re concerned about. Sadly, many still live as though God is unaware, acting anxious, pressured and uncertain. They think constantly about what to eat, what to wear, and how things will turn out. That’s the life of those who don’t know God. Jesus said the Gentiles seek after these things. That’s their pursuit and focus. But you’re different. David understood this and declared in Psalm 23:1, “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Let this dawn on your spirit. Don’t function by anxiety; live by the revelation of God’s Word. Respond to life’s circumstances in faith and with faith. Always be calm, assured and unshaken. Not because there are no challenges but because you know you’re not alone, and you’re not without help and supply. Your heavenly Father daily loads you with benefits (Psalm 68:19). This is the consciousness you must have. All your needs are plugged into God’s supply system; you lack nothing; you have all things because you’re the seed of Abraham. Therefore, when situations arise, don’t panic; remind yourself, “My Father Knows!” That settles your heart and strengthens your faith. Trust Him and stay on the Word. You’re not trying to get God’s attention; you already have it. You’re not trying to convince Him to care; He already does. 1 Peter 5:7 (AMPC) says, “…He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.” Therefore, walk in the quiet confidence that your heavenly Father is mindful of you, gracious and kind towards you, always watching over you to do you good. Hallelujah!

The LORD Himself will fight for you. Just stay calm. Exodus 14:14 NLT _____ As we draw closer to God, the evidence of spiritual growth becomes visible in our daily life. _____ God’s Word is rock solid when it comes to our victory. _____ Loving God, thank You for eternal life and Your breath of life. _____ God is my strong fortress, and He makes my way perfect. 2 Samuel 22:33 NLT

SATURDAY MORNING PRAYER! “Starting This Morning in the Presence of God!” “My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.” — Psalm 5:3 (KJV) Heavenly Father, in the mighty name of Jesus, thank You for waking us up to see another Saturday morning! Thank You for carrying us through another week. Through every challenge, disappointment, victory, and unexpected situation, You have remained faithful. Your Word declares, “It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning.” — Lamentations 3:22–23 (KJV) Lord, we receive new mercy, new grace, new strength, and renewed hope this morning. Father, some are waking up thankful, while others are waking up tired. Some are celebrating, while others are carrying burdens nobody knows about. Some are worried about their families, finances, health, employment, relationships, or what tomorrow may bring. But today we choose to place everything into Your hands. “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” — 1 Peter 5:7 (KJV) Lord, lift every heavy heart. Calm every troubled mind. Strengthen everyone who feels weary. Bring peace where there has been confusion and hope where discouragement has tried to settle in. Father, we pray for those who are sick and suffering physically, mentally, or emotionally. Stretch forth Your healing hand. Touch bodies, restore strength, regulate minds, and comfort those walking through difficult seasons. Your Word says, “For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD.” — Jeremiah 30:17 (KJV) Lord, remember our families today. Protect our children, grandchildren, spouses, parents, siblings, relatives, and friends. Keep them from dangers seen and unseen. Let our homes be filled with love, forgiveness, unity, peace, and the presence of God. We pray for those facing financial struggles, employment concerns, and uncertain situations. Open doors that no man can shut. Provide resources, opportunities, favor, and increase according to Your will. “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:19 (KJV) Father, order our steps throughout this Saturday. Before we make a decision, give us wisdom. Before we speak, guard our words. Before we become discouraged, remind us of Your promises. And wherever we go, let our lives bring glory to You. Lord, after everything we have faced this week, help us to remember: WE ARE STILL HERE! WE ARE STILL STANDING! WE ARE STILL BLESSED! AND GOD IS STILL FAITHFUL! So this Saturday morning, we will not allow yesterday's trouble to steal today's joy. We will rejoice because You gave us another day, another opportunity, and another reason to praise Your name! May Your goodness and mercy follow us throughout this day. Cover our homes, our families, our travels, and everything concerning us. “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.” — Psalm 23:6 (KJV) Father, we surrender this Saturday into Your hands. Have Your way in our lives today. We declare that this will be a blessed Saturday, a peaceful Saturday, a protected Saturday, and a Saturday filled with the presence and favor of God! In the mighty, matchless, and powerful name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen, Amen, and AMEN! SATURDAY MORNING DECLARATION... Today I will walk in faith and not fear. I am covered by God's grace, surrounded by His favor, strengthened by His power, and guided by His Word. No matter what this day brings, I will rejoice because the Lord is with me! “The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped.” — Psalm 28:7

Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, asking You to bring an end to every war and conflict. 🕊️ Lord, protect innocent lives, bring peace to troubled nations, and comfort every family affected by violence. Father, we also ask for Your protection over everyone facing floods and severe weather. 🌧️🌊 Keep families, children, the elderly, and vulnerable people safe. Protect homes, communities, livestock, and livelihoods. Give wisdom and strength to those working to rescue and help others. Lord, calm the storms, provide shelter for those in danger, and provide food, clean water, and everything people need. Let Your peace surround those who are afraid. “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knoweth them that trust in Him.” — Nahum 1:7 We trust You, Lord. Bring peace, protection, healing, and hope to our world. In Jesus Christ’s mighty name, Amen.

DAY 28 — Evening Theme: BUILDING A SAFE HOME: Creating a Marriage Where Love Respect and Peace Can Grow 🌙 Reflection Peace in marriage is not something we find once and keep forever. Good evening, Peace is something we practise every day. Sometimes peace means apologizing. Sometimes it means listening. Sometimes it means giving your spouse time to calm down. Sometimes it means choosing not to say the hurtful thing that came immediately to mind. Tonight, ask God to help you become a peacemaker, not merely someone who wants peace. 📖 God's Word "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." — Matthew 5:9 🌙 Heart Check What can I personally do tomorrow to bring more peace into my marriage? 💎 Marriage Nugget "Sometimes the most powerful words in marriage are, 'Let's find peace before we find who is right.'" 🙏 Prayer Prince of Peace, make me a peacemaker in my home. Help me to respond rather than react, to listen rather than assume, and to forgive rather than hold onto resentment. Let Your peace rule in our hearts and guide our marriage. In Jesus' name, Amen. Remember In marriage, it is not about winning the argument; it is about winning each other's hearts.

Good morning to everyone. Grace and Peace be with you. How are you all doing today? Did you sleep well, with beautifully peaceful dreams that helped you in waking up in a calm and refreshed feeling? Was your pillow a part of your body now, not wanting to separate? Did the mattress hold on to you with that special hug that says that you are needed to fill a void in ‘their’ life? I pray all that is true. It was for me. Though I did not sleep the recommended amount of time, my body said that I slept exactly what it wanted and needed; so Merry Christmas … you have a good day today. I said thank you and gave my body its coffee. So, I have another question. What if … What if we treated God’s Word in the same manner as described above? A pillow of hope that connects to the soul. A mattress of comfort that holds us close and never wants us to leave. A blanket of security to shield us from the storm. What if we thought of God’s Love and devotion to us in that way, and treated him with the same reverence as we do when we do not want to get out of bed for work? How we shut off the alarms and hit the snooze, roll over, pull that blanket up around our chin, bury our heads into that comfy pillow as we sink even further into the mattress. What if we treated God like that? His Word with such an invitation? Can you imagine how peaceful and spiritually blissful our lives would be? I know two things to be true in this comparison … first, when I get a wonderful night’s sleep, I feel fantastic in the morning. Second, when I bury my mind and heart in God’s word, I am better than fantastic. Today I want to encourage you to seek that peace with Him. Seek that arena of bliss. Embrace that devotion of Love. Allow yourself to sink into His presence as He shields you from the days' mega storms and sets your mind at ease in the comfort of his chest. Be blessed. **Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.—1 Peter 3:4